CVE-2017-15041 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2017-15041, published on October 5, 2017, addresses a vulnerability in Go versions prior to 1.8.4 and between 1.9.x and 1.9.1 that allows for remote command execution using the "go get" command.

Understanding CVE-2017-15041

This CVE involves a security issue in Go programming language versions that could lead to remote command execution.

What is CVE-2017-15041?

This vulnerability allows attackers to execute remote commands by manipulating custom domains to deceive the "go get" command into fetching code from a malicious Git repository.

The Impact of CVE-2017-15041

The vulnerability could result in the execution of malicious commands on systems running the affected versions of Go, potentially leading to unauthorized access or system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-15041

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Go versions prior to 1.8.4 and between 1.9.x and 1.9.1 allows for remote command execution by manipulating custom domains to trick the "go get" command into fetching code from a malicious Git repository.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions prior to 1.8.4
Versions between 1.9.x and 1.9.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers configure custom domains to point to specific repositories.
By manipulating the order of operations, the Git checkout from a Subversion repository can be used for code fetches from a Git repository.
Malicious commands in the Subversion repository's Git checkout can be executed on the system running "go get."

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-15041 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Go to version 1.8.4 or above to mitigate the vulnerability.
Avoid using custom domains that could potentially redirect to malicious repositories.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to the latest secure versions.
Implement code reviews and security testing to identify vulnerabilities early.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by the Go programming language to address the vulnerability.